Hello,
we have a precast concrete garage. The garage was assembled on site. The concrete slab floor consists of several elements. There are joints between these elements, about 2-3cm (about 1 inch) wide. According to the supplier, these joints are not usually sealed. No reason was given. However, they said they have received several inquiries from homeowners about this and that, upon request, they can fill the joints with silicone.
No one could explain to me the purpose of these joints. I guess they are expansion joints. But whether they also serve a function regarding water infiltration is unclear to me. Does anyone know? In principle, standing water could collect in these joints. But is that really a good thing? I am also wondering if, conversely, soil or roots could grow through from underneath... there are strip footings and gravel under the garage.
So the question is: should the joints be sealed with silicone (which will surely weather over time, look unattractive, and is not made to last forever) or just left open? Could there be drawbacks to either option? The garage is ventilated continuously anyway.
Does anyone have experience with this or heard about it?
we have a precast concrete garage. The garage was assembled on site. The concrete slab floor consists of several elements. There are joints between these elements, about 2-3cm (about 1 inch) wide. According to the supplier, these joints are not usually sealed. No reason was given. However, they said they have received several inquiries from homeowners about this and that, upon request, they can fill the joints with silicone.
No one could explain to me the purpose of these joints. I guess they are expansion joints. But whether they also serve a function regarding water infiltration is unclear to me. Does anyone know? In principle, standing water could collect in these joints. But is that really a good thing? I am also wondering if, conversely, soil or roots could grow through from underneath... there are strip footings and gravel under the garage.
So the question is: should the joints be sealed with silicone (which will surely weather over time, look unattractive, and is not made to last forever) or just left open? Could there be drawbacks to either option? The garage is ventilated continuously anyway.
Does anyone have experience with this or heard about it?
B
Bieber081513 Feb 2017 10:33Building supply stores carry joint tapes. These are cords that you need to buy in the correct diameter (thickness); you place them into the joint and then cover them with a suitable filler. For example, if you want to seal the floor later (epoxy resin...), you could also use this to close the joint.
For us, the joints between the individual precast concrete garages are covered with plastic elements. This applies to both the vertical joints and the horizontal ones in the floor (also on the outside, by the way). These covers are clipped into the joints with metal clips. We have three garages (two lengthwise, one crosswise).
For us, the joints between the individual precast concrete garages are covered with plastic elements. This applies to both the vertical joints and the horizontal ones in the floor (also on the outside, by the way). These covers are clipped into the joints with metal clips. We have three garages (two lengthwise, one crosswise).
K
Knallkörper13 Feb 2017 12:48Fill the joints with mortar and smooth over. Then prime and paint the entire floor with concrete paint – done! There’s no significant expansion to expect here – the slab is in contact with the ground and is not subject to relevant temperature fluctuations.
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